{"id":9267,"date":"2019-01-07T10:20:45","date_gmt":"2019-01-07T10:20:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/AFRICAtime\/?p=9267"},"modified":"2025-04-11T08:17:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T07:17:00","slug":"a-guide-to-south-africas-national-parks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/a-guide-to-south-africas-national-parks\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to South Africa&#8217;s National Parks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"419\" data-end=\"751\">South Africa is home to a vast and diverse range of <strong data-start=\"471\" data-end=\"507\">national parks and game reserves<\/strong>, both public and private. These incredible conservation areas span a variety of landscapes, from sun-scorched deserts to dramatic mountain ranges, and offer some of the <strong data-start=\"677\" data-end=\"704\">best wildlife sightings<\/strong> in Africa \u2014 including the iconic <strong data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"750\">Big Five<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"806\">The Eastern Cape \u2013 Malaria-Free Game Viewing<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_9280\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9280\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-9280 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_1849-600x225.jpg\" alt=\"Lion cub\" width=\"600\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_1849-600x225.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_1849-768x288.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_1849-1024x384.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_1849.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-9280\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lion cub<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"821\" data-end=\"999\">The <strong data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"841\">Eastern Cape<\/strong>, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, is dotted with traditional African villages and offers excellent safari experiences in several well-managed game reserves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1001\" data-end=\"1153\"><strong data-start=\"1001\" data-end=\"1026\">Shamwari Game Reserve<\/strong>, home to the renowned Born Free Foundation, is the oldest private reserve in the region and a leader in wildlife conservation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1292\">What sets the Eastern Cape apart is its <strong data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1218\">malaria-free status<\/strong>, making it especially popular with families and first-time safari-goers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1318\"><strong data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1318\">Top Recommendations:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1319\" data-end=\"1544\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1319\" data-end=\"1411\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1321\" data-end=\"1411\"><strong data-start=\"1321\" data-end=\"1352\">Addo Elephant National Park<\/strong> \u2013 ideal for spotting the Big Five, particularly elephants.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1412\" data-end=\"1544\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1414\" data-end=\"1544\"><strong data-start=\"1414\" data-end=\"1446\">Mountain Zebra National Park<\/strong> \u2013 home to endangered species such as the black rhino, cheetah, and of course, the mountain zebra.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1546\" data-end=\"1631\">&#x1f4cd; <em data-start=\"1549\" data-end=\"1559\">Best for<\/em>: Family safaris, malaria-free travel, conservation-focused experiences.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"1638\" data-end=\"1698\">Kruger National Park \u2013 The Icon of South African Safaris<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_9283\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9283\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-9283 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/92d8ed4a-5129-4b40-af95-a242fdf1c5b3-400x300.jpg\" alt=\"Elephants in Kruger National Park\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/92d8ed4a-5129-4b40-af95-a242fdf1c5b3-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/92d8ed4a-5129-4b40-af95-a242fdf1c5b3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/92d8ed4a-5129-4b40-af95-a242fdf1c5b3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/92d8ed4a-5129-4b40-af95-a242fdf1c5b3.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-9283\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Elephants<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1714\" data-end=\"1954\">Covering nearly <strong data-start=\"1730\" data-end=\"1752\">2 million hectares<\/strong> and bordering Mozambique, <strong data-start=\"1779\" data-end=\"1803\">Kruger National Park<\/strong> is the most famous and one of the largest national parks in Africa. It\u2019s a premier destination for both <strong data-start=\"1908\" data-end=\"1930\">self-drive safaris<\/strong> and luxury lodge stays.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1956\" data-end=\"2136\">With <strong data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"1990\">multiple private reserves<\/strong> on its western boundary, and <strong data-start=\"2020\" data-end=\"2065\">no fencing between them and the main park<\/strong>, wildlife roams freely \u2014 creating a truly authentic safari experience.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2157\"><strong data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2157\">Safari Options:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2158\" data-end=\"2343\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2158\" data-end=\"2243\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2160\" data-end=\"2243\"><strong data-start=\"2160\" data-end=\"2182\">Self-drive safaris<\/strong>: Affordable, flexible, and ideal for adventurous travellers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2244\" data-end=\"2343\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2246\" data-end=\"2343\"><strong data-start=\"2246\" data-end=\"2271\">Private game reserves<\/strong>: Offer guided game drives, often with experienced rangers and trackers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2345\" data-end=\"2399\"><strong data-start=\"2345\" data-end=\"2399\">Top Private Reserves in the Greater Kruger Region:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2561\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2450\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2450\"><strong data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2416\">Sabi Sands<\/strong> \u2013 renowned for leopard sightings.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2451\" data-end=\"2561\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2561\"><strong data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2466\">Timbavati<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"2468\" data-end=\"2482\">Thornybush<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"2488\" data-end=\"2500\">Klaserie<\/strong> \u2013 excellent smaller alternatives, also unfenced with Kruger.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2563\" data-end=\"2661\">You can also enjoy <strong data-start=\"2582\" data-end=\"2596\">bush walks<\/strong>, birdwatching, and night drives in many of the private reserves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2663\" data-end=\"2755\">&#x1f4cd; <em data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2676\">Best for<\/em>: Big Five sightings, flexible travel styles, luxury and budget safari options.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2762\" data-end=\"2826\">Madikwe Game Reserve \u2013 Malaria-Free Luxury in the North West<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2828\" data-end=\"3045\"><strong data-start=\"2828\" data-end=\"2839\">Madikwe<\/strong>, South Africa\u2019s second-largest game reserve, is located near the Botswana border. It\u2019s a <strong data-start=\"2929\" data-end=\"2945\">malaria-free<\/strong> reserve, making it a top choice for family safaris or those seeking a worry-free wilderness escape.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3047\" data-end=\"3244\">Easily accessible from Johannesburg \u2014 a <strong data-start=\"3087\" data-end=\"3106\">five-hour drive<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"3110\" data-end=\"3129\">one-hour flight<\/strong> \u2014 Madikwe offers exclusive lodges and fewer vehicles on game drives, giving you a more personal safari experience.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3246\" data-end=\"3270\"><strong data-start=\"3246\" data-end=\"3270\">Wildlife Highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3271\" data-end=\"3424\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3271\" data-end=\"3334\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3273\" data-end=\"3334\">Strong populations of <strong data-start=\"3295\" data-end=\"3316\">African wild dogs<\/strong> (painted wolves).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3335\" data-end=\"3424\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3337\" data-end=\"3424\">Big Five animals and over <strong data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3387\">400 species of birds<\/strong>, making it a haven for birdwatchers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3426\" data-end=\"3501\">&#x1f4cd; <em data-start=\"3429\" data-end=\"3439\">Best for<\/em>: Malaria-free safaris, families, wild dog sightings, birding.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_9289\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Makalali-14.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9289\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-9289\" src=\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Makalali-14.jpg\" alt=\"Safari vehicle with cheetah\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Makalali-14.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Makalali-14-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Makalali-14-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-9289\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Makalali Game Drive<\/p><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"3508\" data-end=\"3567\">Makalali Private Game Reserve \u2013 A Hidden Gem in Limpopo<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3593\" data-end=\"3791\">Located in the scenic <strong data-start=\"3615\" data-end=\"3644\">Lowveld region of Limpopo<\/strong>, just west of the Phalaborwa Gate to Kruger National Park, <strong data-start=\"3704\" data-end=\"3737\">Makalali Private Game Reserve<\/strong> covers over <strong data-start=\"3750\" data-end=\"3769\">22,000 hectares<\/strong> of pristine bushveld.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3793\" data-end=\"4095\">Makalali, meaning <em data-start=\"3811\" data-end=\"3828\">&#8220;place of rest&#8221;<\/em> in the Shangaan language, is committed to conservation and ecological restoration. Through the work of the <strong data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"3972\">Makalali Land and Wildlife Trust<\/strong>, efforts are ongoing to <strong data-start=\"3997\" data-end=\"4047\">re-establish ancient wildlife migration routes<\/strong> connecting Kruger to the Drakensberg Mountains.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4097\" data-end=\"4256\">The terrain of rolling hills offers <strong data-start=\"4133\" data-end=\"4159\">spectacular viewpoints<\/strong>, and the reserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, including all members of the <strong data-start=\"4243\" data-end=\"4255\">Big Five<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4258\" data-end=\"4344\">&#x1f4cd; <em data-start=\"4261\" data-end=\"4271\">Best for<\/em>: Conservation-focused safaris, scenic landscapes, exclusive experiences.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"4351\" data-end=\"4409\">Phinda Private Game Reserve \u2013 Seven Diverse Ecosystems<\/h3>\n<div class=\"div-p\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4411\" data-end=\"4704\"><strong data-start=\"4411\" data-end=\"4421\">Phinda<\/strong>, spanning <strong data-start=\"4432\" data-end=\"4451\">22,000 hectares<\/strong> in KwaZulu-Natal, is a model of ecological diversity with <strong data-start=\"4510\" data-end=\"4537\">seven distinct habitats<\/strong>. From mountain ranges to coastal forests, this private reserve supports a huge range of wildlife \u2014 including Africa\u2019s <strong data-start=\"4656\" data-end=\"4668\">Big Five<\/strong> and more than <strong data-start=\"4683\" data-end=\"4703\">380 bird species<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4706\" data-end=\"4855\">Unique to Phinda is the presence of rarer species such as the <strong data-start=\"4768\" data-end=\"4785\">Suni antelope<\/strong>, making it a hotspot for wildlife lovers seeking something different.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4857\" data-end=\"4880\"><strong data-start=\"4857\" data-end=\"4880\">Activities include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4881\" data-end=\"4942\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4881\" data-end=\"4901\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4883\" data-end=\"4901\">Guided game drives<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4902\" data-end=\"4924\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4904\" data-end=\"4924\">Pontoon boat safaris<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4925\" data-end=\"4942\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4927\" data-end=\"4942\">Walking safaris<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4944\" data-end=\"5019\">&#x1f4cd; <em data-start=\"4947\" data-end=\"4957\">Best for<\/em>: Diverse ecosystems, rare species, luxury safari experiences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"5026\" data-end=\"5080\">KwaZulu-Natal \u2013 Culture, Coastlines &amp; Conservation<\/h3>\n<p>Stretching along South Africa\u2019s east coast, KwaZulu-Natal offers a year-round warm climate and a unique blend of wildlife, adventure, and Zulu heritage.<\/p>\n<p>The province is home to the last remaining monarchy in South Africa \u2014 the Zulu Kingdom \u2014 and is rich in historical sites including the famous battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke\u2019s Drift.<\/p>\n<p>We recommend visiting the Elephant Coast, a biodiverse region that combines:<\/p>\n<p>Isimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)<\/p>\n<p>Big Five game reserves<\/p>\n<p>Birding, ocean, and cultural safaris<\/p>\n<p>White sandy beaches and coral reefs<\/p>\n<p>&#x1f4cd; Best for: Cultural immersion, varied safari types, beach and bush experiences.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5850\" data-end=\"6092\">eeling inspired to explore the wild beauty of South Africa? Whether you\u2019re planning a self-drive Kruger adventure or a luxury lodge getaway in Madikwe, our <strong data-start=\"6007\" data-end=\"6043\">safari experts at Somak Holidays<\/strong> are here to help you craft your dream itinerary.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6094\" data-end=\"6248\">&#x1f4de; <strong data-start=\"6097\" data-end=\"6131\">Call us today on 020 8423 3000<\/strong> or visit our <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"6145\" data-end=\"6177\">website<\/a> to start planning your <strong data-start=\"6201\" data-end=\"6247\">South African safari holiday of a lifetime<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":9282,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[30,1,580],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9267","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-south-africa","category-uncategorized","category-wildlife-and-safari"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_1849-1.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9267","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9267"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9267\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12833,"href":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9267\/revisions\/12833"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9282"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9267"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9267"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9267"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}